In the US, we’re accustomed to a slew of over-the-counter options to solve all but the most serious of ailments. Like many European countries, Italy’s over the counter (da banco) options are much more restricted.
On the shelves of American pharmacies are a number of cold and flu meds, from Nyquil to Mucinex, whereas Italians often rely on a trusty paracetamol (Tylenol) and hot tea to get them through.
If you want to save yourself some headache – literally – you might want to stock up on a few essentials next time you’re visiting the States.
Nyquil
Nyquil is hands-down the most sought-after OTC drug among Americans living abroad. There's nothing that packs quite the same punch as the combination of acetaminophen (pain reliever), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and doxylamine succinate (an antihistamine that will knock you out).
Benadryl
Antihistamines are another must-bring for those of us who struggle with allergies.
Benadryl, specifically its main active ingredient, is only available with a prescription in Italy.
READ ALSO: Allergy season: What to ask for in Italian pharmacies
Pepto-Bismol
The average American's go-to upset stomach concoction – the bubblegum-pink liquid Pepto – is impossible to find in Italy.
Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is actually banned in some European countries (namely France) because it contains a heavy metal (bismuth). While not outright banned in Italy, it is not sold as a medication.
Sudafed
You'll be sorry you don't have Sudafed with you in Italy the next time you're feeling congested.
In Europe, Sudafed's active ingredient, pseudoephedrine, is combined with different drugs to make it more difficult to use it to make meth. So while you can still find it, it's not sold in its original form.
Melatonin
While melatonin is considered a supplement in the United States – and thus not subject to FDA regulations – the popular sleep aid is legally a drug in the EU, which means it's more regulated and harder to access.
READ ALSO: What to bring with you if you're moving to Italy from the US
Melatonin is sold over-the-counter in Italy, but only in very small doses such as 1-3mg. Melatonin supplements for adults in the US are usually 10mg.
Mega-packs of any OTC meds
If there's an over-the-counter medication you take daily or regularly, you should consider buying it in the US even if it's available in Italy.
While Italian pharmacies do sell many of the same OTC medications as in the US, such as Claritin (Clarityn in Italy), medications are only available in small quantities – about 10 or 20 tablets is standard.
Not only will you be back at the pharmacy every week re-stocking but the price you'll pay can be up to ten times the cost compared to in the US.